910 Recap || Seventy-First vs Hoke County

Raeford, N.C. | The defending 3a eastern state champions, Seventy-First Falcons travelled a short distance last night to Raeford to take on the Hoke County Bucks. No matter their record, Bucks always seem to show up against the Falcons, especially at home. The final score (21-0 Seventy-First) does not indicate how competitive the game was. Three big plays really sealed the fate of the home team, 1. Senior Dj Frederick 90+ yard run, setting up QB [player_tooltip player_id='286177' first='DeAndre' last='Nance'] first TD. 2. QB [player_tooltip player_id='286177' first='DeAndre' last='Nance'] electric score from over 30 yards out on 4th down. 3. Punt Return for the TouchDown by recently cleared Nyrius Moore-Smith aka Indiana.   Hoke County has had a tough non-conference, going 1-3 and those 3 loses coming from Cumberland County schools (Jack Britt, South View, 71st) with each game being very competitive. The Bucks play in a tough conference so they will ultimately benefit from such a strong non-conference schedule. Senior QB Brandon Saunders through the two games has shown great leadership qualities, keeping his team in the game until the very end.     Hoke County    Brandon has been the unquestioned leader of the Hoke County Bucks offense for the past 2 seasons. Saunders is playing in his senior season, but the 3-year starter is working with the youngest set of weapons he's had his entire career. Young and talented but none the less young, the team feeds off of Saunders positive energy. Even though Hoke lost in the two games I've covered, the Bucks were one or two plays away from a possible different outcome.       The Senior missed the 71st battle due to illness during the week and he hadn't fully recovered by Friday. Franajai is a high energy, high motor, physical LB with DB skill. He can play in the alley like an overhang safety and defend against the pass, he can also rush the passer off the edge. Ransom is fast enough to get to the sidelines from the middle of the field and run underneath any slot WR or TE.     Wills had a great game Friday night even though the results didn't go his way. Jalyn was strong at the point of attack, set the edge and made several tackles for loss. The senior edge has the potential to play the same position at the next level, but he could also stand and play LB.    F    Favor is a true Power Back but has the speed to take it the distance. The first game I seen him (SV) his reps were cut due to the heat (12pm kick off on a Saturday) in limited time he had 70yard touchdown after breaking several tackles. His last game against 71st he was primarily used on defense. The Jr. will play RB at the next level so that's what I'm evaluating at. He has the speed and power combination to do well at the next level.     Chad had a great game despite not getting in the endzone. Royster made a couple tough catches in traffic, showing toughness and focus. The sure handed Jr. has prototypical size for the next level. Royster is a WR to keep an eye, especially after the season heading into his Senior.      Seventy-First    [player_tooltip player_id='286177' first='DeAndre' last='Nance'] put on his superman camp and pulled out the win Friday night. The senior scored 2 touchdowns but that wasn't his most impressive plays. Nance broke several tackles, potential sacks and converted them into first downs. Strength, power, speed, and a winning mentality is really just half of the makeup of Nance. One of the best ATHS in the state by far.       Christian has played several different positions since he played at 71st. WR, Edge, LB and now high safety. Jackson started in the State Championship game last year and has built off that experience. The senior has taken a more focal role this year, as he should. As Jackson continues to grow and get more comfortable, he should be one of if not THE top player at his position in the county.     Anthony is another one of those "Swiss-Army Knives" of an Ath. The senior has the size to be in the box stopping runs but what makes his so special is, his ability to defend the pass. Bethea has true DB skills and awareness that makes him a nightmare to scout against. Anthony projects to be WLB at the next level.     Jayson is one of the top backs in the North Carolina, despite splitting carries. Franklin recruitment picked up early this past spring when he earned his first offer (Ole Miss) and he hasn't slowed down. The Jr. also doubles at LB for the Falcons where he was able to run down backs and receivers all night long. Franklin is also a special team's threat to score.     Lucas is another Falcon senior that was a starter on the state championship team. Kalen is a man-to-man specialist but has the awareness and play recognition skills to play zone. The senior also has WR like playmaking ability, being able to leap and catch passes out of the air as if they were designed to go to him     Drew is an under-the-radar athlete but was one of the standouts Friday nights. The Jr. was equally as effective on run plays as well as pass. Dwight play against the run is what really stands out for him. He was in on just about every run play to his side, avoiding blocks and getting to the ball in a hurry. I look for his recruitment to take a leap as well after the season.     Donavan is one of the most intriguing prospects I've coverd. He can easily play LB or RB at the next level at an Elite Level! The senior lead the Falcons in tackles Friday night and in rushing. Close to 6'3 and over 220lbs, DJ is a monster on the field and its more than just looks. Depending on down and distance, you may see the senior line up at edge! He made several big hits and his 90+ yard run set up the first TD of the game.     Pone is the second Falcon sophomore to make this list. In limited touches, his presence is always felt. He is listed at RB but plays the role as WR primarily. No matter where he is lined up, the opposing teams D coordinator is finding 14. He can score from anywhere on the field at any time. He had a long 30-yard run late in the second half. He has 2 Division 1 backs in front of him, but I look for his recruitment to take the same shape as Franklins during this off-season.     Nyrius is a wild card to say the least. The senior, referred to as just "Indiana" was cleared this past week so this was his first official game of the season. Smith has a DB frame but has enough "Pop" to play in the box and play well in there! "Indiana" was the first on every play that came to his side and also made the game clinching play by returning a punt for a TD.     "Big John" has stock has been on the Rise all season! The last few weeks he has received 2 Power 4 offers (Florida State and NC State) John showed those major college flashes early Friday night, corralling the QB for a sack and getting a couple TFL's on the RB. Archer started as a freshman on 71st team last year that made it to the State Championship, his impact has been much greater this year so far. The near 6'6 300+ giant rankings should jump tremendously next time the 2027s list comes out.

Raeford, N.C. | The defending 3a eastern state champions, Seventy-First Falcons travelled a short distance last night to Raeford to take on the Hoke County Bucks. No matter their record, Bucks always seem to show up against the Falcons, especially at home. The final score (21-0 Seventy-First) does not indicate how competitive the game was. Three big plays really sealed the fate of the home team, 1. Senior Dj Frederick 90+ yard run, setting up QB DeAndre Nance DeAndre Nance 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Seventy-First | 2025 State NC first TD. 2. QB DeAndre Nance DeAndre Nance 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Seventy-First | 2025 State NC electric score from over 30 yards out on 4th down. 3. Punt Return for the TouchDown by recently cleared Nyrius Moore-Smith aka Indiana.